FWIW: My methodology on buying - or selling for that matter - anything such as a vehicle is to generate a formal Bill of Sale noting what is being purchased/sold (make, model, year, VIN, miles), purchase price, sold free of all encumbrances (no lien)/title is free and clear in the name of the seller, buyer and seller names and addresses, and the description of anything else that goes along with the deal. Both parties sign and date and both parties keep an original. Never had anyone refuse to do it. If they do, then the deal would certainly be off.
I've never had to resort to doing anything with one after the fact, though, but it's nice to know I've got it in case there's ever a question about the terms of the deal!
Bill
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